Tag: grace

I’m finding today a bit surreal with another visit to the hospital, except this time it’s with dad.

Approximately five years ago the University of Tennessee Medical Center was home for mom. They cared for her cancer treatments and truly were the best in every way. As a cancer survivor, mom grew in strength and confidence and this I attribute to her care on UTMC. However, we all sadly lost mom as the treatments took a toll on her body years following her remission.

Now I’m sitting in the waiting room of the same hospital, except this time it’s for dad. Results are not conclusive, but it could be bladder cancer. I’m writing this as he is in recovery and tissue samples of the tumors they removed are being tested.

I feel like there is more than just tumors being tested here with me. It’s emotionally challenging at best and the images of doctors, waiting rooms, medical conversations and that whole medical power of attorney thing is taking it’s toll.

But I’m a big boy and holding it clearly together. Oh, and you may wonder about dad . . . well, he is a strong trooper, brave and a hero!

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I’m convinced, if you wait on Him . . . or better . . . if you will listen, God has something big to say every day. Sometimes my children remind me how much I miss in life. From the back seat I often hear, “Daddy, did you see that?” And my answer is often the same each time . . . “Ummm, no I missed it!” The busy nature of our lives and the fast-paced schedules create an environment where we forget. We forget to look up, look around and notice things, especially the Creator. He’s ever present, ever moving, ever speaking . . . every day.

Yesterday, the morning moon would not leave me alone. I know you’ve likely painted an image in your mind of the larger than life moon out my bedroom window blazing its beams on me throughout the night. Oddly enough, this wasn’t it at all. In fact, in the early morning, skirting around town, like I was a child once again, the moon seemed to follow me everywhere I went. Every turn I took, it was there. But on this particular morning, it struck me different every time I saw it. It must have been a dozen or so moments. You may be wondering what was so extraordinary about these moments. Well, it was the handiwork of the Creator, speaking to me. With every glance of the moon, the painting in the sky displayed in curious splendor a new moon. In what appeared to be in a blink of an eye, the clouds that ordained the moon just moments before were gone and replaced with the morning hue of pinks and blues. Oh how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

And then, this morning, He seals the deal. Shows me in ways only possible through His works, the renewing of His lovingkindness, mercy and grace . . . each day.

His lovingkindness begins afresh each day.
Lamentations 3:23 TLB

And when I read this, everything seemed to pause. For real? Afresh? Each day? This doesn’t feel true. It certainly isn’t how I choose to live, that’s for sure. Heaping upon yesterday’s yesterday the self-inflicted debt of grace and love needed. My trailer of bad days is a heavy load to bring into today from yesterday. But in Lamentations, God says His lovingkindness begins afresh, brand-new, no-debt, no baggage . . . full, in an abundance of grace and mercy — just enough for today! And He will meet me tomorrow with a million new moons to declare His lovingkindness one more time!

Thank you, Lord! Thank you for new days, new hours and new minutes! Thank you for new moons at every turn! Thank you for new beginnings each day!

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Fear has power. It’s ability to reinvent is comparable only to the force of nature. Fear is able to change momentum, redirect confidence, sabotage faith, conceive doubt, hijack control and freeze freedom.

I’m reminded of a beautiful spring day at a Tennessee wilderness creek. It was a supremely perfect day. Just the right amount of sun through the trees to warm your back while following the rushing water upstream and pausing on occasion to witness it’s power cascading over boulders left behind from something far bigger than myself. On this particular day I chose to get a bit closer than usual to nature. With a number of good sized rocks scattered beyond the shoreline into the rushing water it only seemed right to hop from one to another. The air smelled of adventure and then time seemed to freeze. Oddly however, it all happened in a split second and yet, lasted what felt like a lifetime. As I left the security of one rock to land on the next, my eyes caught glimpse of a water moccasin warming himself on the likes of the rock I had intended to land. But I was already in motion, in the air with no way to “change my mind.” Yet, in some odd unexplainable way, I changed my mind, changed my direction and needed to change my shorts! I landed on a completely different rock out of harms way. Fear changed my momentum, redirected my confidence, sabotaged my faith, gave birth to doubt, hijacked my control and froze my freedom in mid-air.

It’s easy to talk about fear when it comes to snakes . . . who doesn’t freak out? But when fear creeps into our lives through relationships, emotions, finances, careers and circumstances, it behaves in very similar ways. And yet, Jesus tells us to fear not!

I’m reminded in scripture the account of Jesus asleep on the boat as the disciples begin to panic over the storm that threatens to bring disaster. Jesus asks, “where is your faith?”

The sick woman who touched Jesus’ garment was called to reveal herself. Full of fear and trembling she fell at Jesus’ feet. Yet Jesus tells her, “. . . Go in peace and be freed . . . ”

David, a boy with only three stones faces a giant bully — but fear has no power!

Faith in knowing the Truth brings fear to it’s knees. It thaws the grip fear has on the soul to do what is right and affirms the power of the Spirit who lives within to “go in peace and be freed!” It is through the greater power of the Spirit of God that overcomes anxiety in messed up and broken relationships, that conquers unleashed emotions, that answers the questions of why and what if, that gives the solution to how. It sees through the fog of soured circumstances to see that God is in control and that His promises stand true to the end . . . that He is glorified!

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:5

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Do I really believe the Word of God to be “a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path?” Yes I do! God’s word to me has been increasingly more meaningful and His voice, through His word, has been steady, firm and clear. His promises and assurances fill me with more God-confidence and far less self-confidence. More of Him, less of me.

Jonah’s life has always been an interesting read. There’s nothing like the consequence of disobedience resulting in an unexpected journey in the belly of a whale. It’s evident through his journey that God is serious. And it is in this seriousness God reached out and demanded Jonah’s attention. I know the feeling!

What is better is Jonah listened and pondered God’s direction. He was in quite an awkward position of surrender and so he did. And as he did, his heart too began to hear the steady, firm and clear voice of His savior. As he listened, he learned of the greatest consequence of all. To God, Jonah’s worship was silent. It echoed throughout his life, but little belonged to His Lord — in fact, one might question what or who Jonah truly worshipped. And without Jonah’s complete surrender in worship to His Lord God, the grace that could be, would be forfeited.

Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord. Jonah 2:8-9

Lord Jesus, I know your grace is sufficient . . . for even me! You have reminded me to trust in you even when the waters get deep and rough (Isaiah 43:1-2). You have assured me that you hear my thoughts and words (Micah 7:7). You have encouraged me to not allow my heart to be troubled or to be afraid — because you have given me Peace (John 14:27). May I sing the same song as Jonah!

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Last week I had the honor of helping a dear friend with some fallen trees on his land. For you and me, we would take a chainsaw to a fallen tree and cut it into logs or split it into firewood — but not this guy. He takes the trunk of the tree and runs it through his mill to make planks. Recycling the fallen.

My dad made his living taking such pieces of wood, old and new, and transforming them into true works of art. Since childhood, fresh cut wood causes me to reflect on many great moments of sanding, drilling, cutting, glueing and ultimately experiencing my dad’s handiwork. His work was breathtaking.

And so, last week, while cutting these logs into planks . . . I noticed something I had never noticed before. I’ve always admired the grain of wood. The patterns that swirl around knots that number it’s years, it’s simply beautiful. But this time I realized this looks like a fingerprint.

The truth of what I was looking at, what I was admiring, had actually been touched by the hand of God. It was His fingerprint! With no two alike, God touched not just this tree, but every living thing . . . including me with His hand.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

My God, may I never overlook your handiwork in me! May I never discard the fact that your fingerprint is within me because you have fearfully and wonderfully created me. I am your workmanship!!

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But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21

Julie: Are you wearing clean underwear?

Mark: What? Really?

Julie: Are you?

Mark: Just trying to pull my life together.

Julie: I know. Some days my only source of sanity comes in knowing that I have clean undies on. I guess it’s the only thing I can control. Everything else I shove off to Jesus. I might appear looney tunes because I literally talk to him out loud as if he is there. And not in “mushy prayerful” conversation. More like, “I can’t deal with this crap so you’re just gonna have to take it and figure it out yourself. Let me know when I should pay attention to it because I’m done.”

Mark: That’s where I am.

Julie: Clean undies?

Mark: They are clean . . . for now!

Julie: Okay then!

This is an actual conversation I had recently with a dear friend and thankfully, not forgotten. It was an incredible reminder of my need to let go and let God. It is terribly easy for me to sulk, think, craft, construct, excuse and attempt to control my circumstances and ultimately, my life.

Julie’s point was well taken. Clean undies are my job, God certainly has a sense of humor. He left that decision to me! Luckily I have the smarts enough to make it so. But little have I ever realized the implication of assuming control of my life. God wants nothing more than to “work all things together for His good.”

Control is a crazy thing — something we want desperately. Because when we have it we feel safe, secure, ordered, in charge, peaceful, organized, mindful — but these are all false senses. It is only through Christ, who is all, gives all and controls all. It requires a true surrender and demands a level of trust that comes only through the grace and love found on the cross. It begins in the mind, captures the heart and together, through Christ, brings everything under His control.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. II Corinthians 10:5

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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

I’ve been reminded quite often during this holiday season of the hurt that surrounds me. Not my own, while also deep, but rather the hurt of friends and family . . . and strangers alike. I used to think and believe, without compassion, the hurt of those around me were more of their business than my own. With this attitude it is simple and easy to think about yourself more highly than one ought and arrogantly disregard the pain of others. After all, that’s not my problem . . . right? I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Pain and hurt during the holidays is incredibly heightened. With every turn, almost unavoidably, the joys of the season in family, and friends and fellowship spring from every corner. To the hurting, it’s like rubbing alcohol on an opened wound. There may be healing in it, but it hurts like the dickens . . . more than usual.

The loss of a family member or a very dear friend conjures up an absence, a change in routine and a reflection of what once was. The grief associated with such loss can be immense. The heaviness of sadness and loneliness can sink what was once unsinkable. How one stays afloat in such times is somewhat of a mystery . . . but not really.

The God of this universe has promised you comfort in the midst of loss, grief and pain. His comfort alone is sustaining and the “mystery” is truly by the grace of God! He is the author of all that is and He alone orchestrates the healing power of the Holy Spirit in and through you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus my friend and everything that belongs to Him has been freely given to you! While things are not the same in your world, Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!

Experiencing the fullness of joy in the holiday season is indeed a precious gift. Enjoy, celebrate and give thanks for those moments . . . but do not forget nor neglect the fact, there are those who experience far less joy in this season. Share God’s precious gift with those who may be hurting. It may be the only gift they receive.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. II Peter 1:3-7

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Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them; “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Petter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Matthew 14:25-29

I’ve thought about this passage for quite some time. I was enamored by the acts of Christ in separating himself from the distractions of life to find a quiet place to pray — and not just for a minute, but for hours! Knowing Christ approached the throne for those He loved along with fellowship with His Father was for me a cause for pause. But the next course of events were absolutely stunning.

From a distance, Christ’s vantage point, the boat and disciples could barely be seen. Matthew tells us they were “already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves . . .” Then, the impossible unfolded.

Knowing full well they were no longer near the shore, Christ appeared to the disciples. As unexpected as this must have been, it was not unlike the Lord to teach through His actions and less so through His words.

When God appears in the midst of life events difficult to explain because it simply does not make sense, it is undoubtedly exactly when God finds a teachable heart. I’ve often heard that if you can’t explain it, God’s in it! This was so true of the moment Christ stood before them on the water in the middle of the lake.

It’s reassuring knowing God shows up to my events and teaches me simply by His presence of the Truth of His promises, the abundance of His love and the depth of His hope.

Thank you Lord Jesus for your willingness to seek the Father on my behalf and then pursue me, find me and call to me — right where I am. Good, bad or indifferent, it doesn’t matter the circumstance, what you think of me never changes, your call to me never ceases, your love for me runs deeper than my mind can imagine. I just cannot explain what it’s like when you appear!

For the grace of God ha appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the is present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

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Habakkuk the prophet saw it all and shares with us a portion of what was likely a lengthy conversation between him and God. The account is shared in none other than the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. It’s short — only three short chapters — but it is rich in the transforming understanding of who God is and the fullness of His glory!

How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Habakkuk 1:2

Habakkuk wrestled with recognizing the presence of God in the midst of difficult times. He continues to question God in His allowance of wrongdoing and injustice, His tolerance of evil and conflict. Habakkuk has forgotten for whom God exists! He forgets that God is writing a story, but the detour in that great story must include the existence of unfortunate and sad circumstances because of the presence of sin. And this often gives the false appearance of God’s absence.

God then, in chapter two, reminds Habakkuk of His great plan, His grand purpose and His holy splendor! And Habakkuk’s eyes open to seeing, believing and trusting in the promises of God. He finally realizes the message of rescue God has for His people.

You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. Habakkuk 3:13a

I cannot imagine the moment Habakkuk realized this truth! His countenance changed, his life changed! How he trusted in God changed and the depth of understanding of the love God has for him and His people was immeasurable. Because, when all was lost, when nothing else was left, Habakkuk praised the One who enables! It’s another great example of God’s whisper throughout time of His inevitable rescue!

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

Lord Jesus, remind me of your grand plan for me! Continue to teach me of the joy I have in you because I belong to you! I do rejoice . . . may I always rejoice . . . even when I have nothing, because with you I have everything!

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Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

Oswald Chambers in his famous devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest, says something remarkably poignant and it reaches to the core of my being. He says anything that disturbs my rest in Him (Christ) must be taken care of immediately; that I must never allow anything to remain that is causing a separation between Christ and myself. I’ve never given a “truth-check” to the reality of what my sin does in terms of my relationship with Christ! Separation?

It’s so easy to focus on the issue, the specifics and become entirely distracted from the essence of truth in the current of self. This “rip-tide” is subtle, inviting and yet, swift and dangerous. Anything that stands between Christ and me stands in the face of trusting Him by doing things my own way. It is a willful act of looking into the mirror and seeing “self” instead of Christ in me! It becomes a refocus of self-consciousness. When I focus on me and my own circumstances, analyzing and contemplating the outcome of life’s most uncertain moments, it translates into the absence of God’s rest, His contentment and peace. It is replaced with self-consiousness in the form of feelings of fear, rejection, discontent, worry, pride, resentment, hurt . . . to name only a few.

The answer here is found in my “will” — through choice. God has designed me in such a way as to decide what thoughts to entertain. And He reminds me in His Word to take “every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:5) How I choose to think about me and my circumstances is the difference between my “junk” coming between Christ and me and nothing coming between Christ and me. It’s the moment when I choose to deny self-consciousness and live in the embrace of Christ-consiousness. Through this lens I quit focusing on myself and begin focusing on Christ in me – my Strength, my Comforter, my Healer, my Deliverer, my Redeemer.

Lord, Jesus, I need you every hour! And in each hour I desire to think on Truth! I realize that when I choose to do things my way and not your way, I am separated from you! Those are very unpleasant moments for me and worse to remember. I’m asking Lord, to make me God-concious!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,whatever isadmirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Philippians 4:8